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a 15 Day Birding in Uganda

Birding

This transformative 15-day Ugandan birding adventure promises to inspire and delight, starting and concluding in the vibrant city of Entebbe. This meticulously crafted safari guides participants through Uganda’s most celebrated birding hotspots, including the enigmatic Mabamba Swamp, the awe-inspiring Murchison Falls, the verdant Kibale Forest, the diverse Queen Elizabeth, the unspoiled Bwindi Impenetrable, and the serene Lake Mburo National Parks. As participants traverse these remarkable landscapes, there will be chances to spot over 1,000 bird species, including the ancient shoebill stork, and observe iconic wildlife such as majestic elephants, powerful lions, playful chimpanzees, and gentle mountain gorillas in their untouched habitats.

Highlights of the 15-Day Ugandan Birding Expedition

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe and hotel transfer
Day 2: Mabamba Swamp birding adventure
Day 3: Journey to Murchison Falls via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Day 4: Murchison Falls game drives and boat cruise
Day 5: Venture to Kibale Forest National Park
Day 6: Chimpanzee trekking and Bigodi Swamp exploration
Day 7: Queen Elizabeth National Park discovery
Day 8: Lion tracking and Kazinga Channel boat cruise
Day 9: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park journey
Day 10: Gorilla trekking expedition in Bwindi
Day 11: Batwa cultural encounter and Ruhija sector transfer
Day 12: Mubwindi Swamp birding excursion
Day 13: Lake Mburo National Park walking safari
Day 14: Game drives and boat cruises in Lake Mburo
Day 15: Return to Kampala and departure

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe and hotel transfer

Depending on the participants’ arrival time at Entebbe International Airport on the first day of this incredible 15-day Ugandan birding safari, a skilled driver guide will be waiting to greet everyone. After a briefing about the exciting adventures ahead, participants will be transferred to a comfortable hotel in Entebbe for a delightful dinner and a restful overnight stay.

Day 2: Mabamba Swamp birding adventure

Rising early on the second day of the 15-day Ugandan birding safari, participants will enjoy a hearty breakfast before grabbing packed lunches and meeting the driver guide. Together, everyone will transfer to the enchanting Mabamba Swamp for an extraordinary birding experience. Here, participants will have the opportunity to spot the elusive shoebill stork and a variety of other captivating bird species, such as the striking double-toothed barbet, the elegant long-tailed cormorant, the charming black crake, the delightful African pygmy goose, and the lively common sandpiper. After an exhilarating day of birding at Mabamba, participants will return to the hotel for a relaxing evening, a savory dinner, and a peaceful overnight stay.

Day 3: Journey to Murchison Falls via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Following a delicious breakfast on the third day of the 15-day Ugandan birding safari, participants will be collected by the driver guide to begin a journey to Murchison Falls National Park, the largest and most spectacular national park in Uganda. The trip takes approximately 5 to 6 hours, with a delightful stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for an extraordinary rhino tracking experience. Participants will then continue the adventure with another stop in the charming town of Masindi for a delightful lunch. After the meal, everyone will proceed to Murchison Falls National Park, and upon arrival, drive directly to the top of the falls to witness the awe-inspiring waterfall and feel the refreshing water splashes. From the waterfall, participants will drive to the lodge for check-in, a mouthwatering dinner, and a comfortable overnight stay.

Day 4: Murchison Falls game drives and boat cruise

Morning game drive: After an early breakfast on the fourth day of the 15-day Ugandan birding safari, participants will be picked up by the driver guide for an exciting morning game drive. During this thrilling excursion, participants will be treated to magnificent views of diverse wildlife, including graceful giraffes, powerful buffaloes, majestic elephants, nimble Uganda kobs, regal waterbucks, fierce lions, elusive leopards, curious warthogs, and the striking Jackson’s hartebeest. After an extraordinary game drive, participants will return to the lodge for a delicious lunch.

Afternoon boat cruise: Following a satisfying lunch, participants will set off on a captivating boat cruise to the bottom of the falls. During this enchanting journey, there will be chances to observe animals such as elephants, antelopes, and buffaloes quenching their thirst along the shores, as well as hippos and Nile crocodiles basking in the water. Participants will also spot a variety of aquatic bird species, including majestic hornbills, graceful cormorants, vibrant kingfishers, lively bee-eaters, and powerful fish eagles. After an extraordinary boat cruise, participants will return to the lodge for an evening of relaxation, a delectable dinner, and a restful overnight stay.

Day 5: Venture to Kibale Forest National Park

Following a hearty breakfast on the fifth day of the 15-day Ugandan birding safari, participants will check out of the lodge and meet the driver guide to begin a journey to the enchanting Kibale Forest National Park, nestled in the heart of western Uganda. This full-day adventure offers participants the chance to take in awe-inspiring views of the magnificent scenery, diverse landscapes, verdant tea plantations, majestic Rwenzori Mountains, and serene crater lakes. Upon arrival in Kibale Forest National Park, participants will continue to the lodge for check-in, a delicious dinner, and a peaceful overnight stay.

Day 6: Chimpanzee trekking and Bigodi Swamp exploration

Chimpanzee trekking: After an early breakfast on the sixth day of the 15-day Ugandan birding safari, participants will meet the driver guide and transfer to the Kanyanchu Visitors Centre for a fascinating chimpanzee trekking briefing. Following the briefing, participants will be divided into intimate groups of 6, with each group allocated a specific chimpanzee family to trek and an experienced park guide who is well-versed in navigating the forest trails. Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 5 hours, depending on the location of the chimpanzees, as these primates move from place to place in search of food. During this thrilling trekking safari, participants may come across other captivating primates, such as the charming grey-cheeked mangabeys, the striking black-and-white colobus monkeys, the playful red-tailed monkeys, and the elusive L’Hoest’s monkeys, as well as a variety of bird species and unique plants. Once the chimpanzees are located, participants will have the incredible opportunity to spend one hour observing these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat, learning about their behaviors, watching them feed, breastfeed, fight, hunt, and play. After this extraordinary face-to-face encounter with the chimpanzees, participants will trek back to the park headquarters and meet the driver guide to return to the lodge for a delicious lunch.

Bigodi Swamp walk: After a satisfying lunch, participants will set off on a captivating nature walk through the enchanting Bigodi Swamp. During this excursion, there will be chances to spot a variety of bird species, such as the striking white-breasted negrofinch, the vibrant yellow-spotted barbet, and the charming grey-winged robin-chat, as well as various primates, unique plant species, and beautiful butterflies. Following the swamp walk, participants will return to the lodge for a delectable dinner and a restful overnight stay.

Day 7: Queen Elizabeth National Park discovery

On the seventh day of the 15-day Ugandan birding safari, participants will check out of the lodge and meet the driver guide to transfer to the magnificent Queen Elizabeth National Park. Along the way, everyone will enjoy awe-inspiring views of the diverse landscapes, serene crater lakes, and verdant tea plantations. Upon arrival, participants will savor a delicious lunch before setting off on an exciting afternoon game drive, where there will be opportunities to spot a variety of animals, including majestic elephants, powerful buffaloes, graceful Uganda kobs, curious warthogs, regal waterbucks, and nimble bushbucks, as well as a wide array of bird species. After an extraordinary game drive, participants will return to the lodge for a mouthwatering dinner and a peaceful overnight stay.

Day 8: Lion tracking and Kazinga Channel boat cruise

Morning game drive/lion tracking: Following a hearty breakfast on the eighth day of the 15-day Ugandan birding safari, participants will meet the driver guide for an exhilarating morning game drive or lion tracking experience in the captivating Kasenyi Plains. During this thrilling excursion, participants will be rewarded with magnificent views of large herds of majestic elephants, powerful buffaloes, graceful Uganda kobs, nimble bushbucks, regal waterbucks, and curious warthogs grazing in the open savannah plains, as well as fierce predators like lions and elusive leopards if luck is on their side. After an extraordinary game drive, participants will return to the lodge for a delicious lunch.

Boat cruise on Kazinga Channel: Following a satisfying lunch, participants will set off on an enchanting boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, a awe-inspiring water body that connects the serene Lake George and the majestic Lake Edward. During this captivating 2-hour boat cruise, participants will have the chance to observe animals such as elephants, buffaloes, waterbucks, and warthogs quenching their thirst along the shores, as well as large concentrations of hippos and Nile crocodiles basking in the water. Everyone will also spot a variety of water birds, including the powerful martial eagle, the vibrant papyrus gonolek, the graceful pelicans, the majestic hornbills, the lively African skimmers, the elegant cormorants, the striking African spoonbills, the mighty fish eagles, and the charming kingfishers, as well as fishermen organizing their fishing nets along the water banks. After an extraordinary boat ride, participants will return to the lodge for an evening of relaxation, a delectable dinner, and a restful overnight stay.

Day 9: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park journey

Following a delicious breakfast on the ninth day of the 15-day Ugandan birding safari, participants will check out of the lodge and meet the driver guide to transfer to the enchanting Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Along the way, everyone will pass through the captivating Ishasha sector in the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park, where there will be the incredible opportunity to spot the elusive tree-climbing lions lounging in the branches of fig trees. After an extraordinary game drive in the Ishasha sector, participants will savor a delightful lunch before continuing the journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Upon arrival, everyone will check in at the lodge for an evening of relaxation, a mouthwatering dinner, and a peaceful overnight stay.

Day 10: Gorilla trekking expedition in Bwindi

Gorilla trekking: After an early breakfast on the tenth day of the 15-day Ugandan birding safari, participants will grab lunch boxes and meet the driver guide to transfer to the park headquarters for a fascinating briefing about the rules, regulations, and expectations of gorilla trekking. Following the briefing, participants will be divided into intimate groups of 8, with each group allocated a specific gorilla family to trek and an experienced park guide who is knowledgeable about the majestic mountain gorillas. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 7 hours, depending on the location of the gorillas. During this thrilling trekking adventure, participants will have the chance to spot a variety of forest birds, other captivating primates, unique plant species, and towering trees. Once the mountain gorillas are located, participants will have the incredible opportunity to spend one extraordinary hour observing these gentle giants, learning about their fascinating lifestyles, behaviors, and habits, taking awe-inspiring photos, watching them carry out their daily activities, and recording these magnificent moments. After this life-changing encounter with the gentle giants, participants will trek back to the park headquarters, where everyone will be awarded a certificate for participating in gorilla trekking. Participants will then meet the guide to return to the lodge for an evening of relaxation, a delectable dinner, and a restful overnight stay.

Day 11: Batwa cultural encounter and Ruhija sector transfer

Following a leisurely breakfast on the eleventh day of the 15-day Ugandan birding safari, the driver guide will pick up participants for a fascinating Batwa cultural tour. During this captivating experience, participants will have the chance to interact with the Batwa people, learn about their rich culture and unique way of life, visit their traditional homesteads, taste their delicious local dishes, and enjoy their lively traditional entertainment. After an extraordinary cultural tour, participants will return to the lodge for a delightful lunch, check out, and begin a journey to the enchanting Ruhija sector in the eastern part of Bwindi National Park. Upon arrival, participants will connect to the lodge for a mouthwatering dinner and a peaceful overnight stay.

Day 12: Mubwindi Swamp birding excursion

Following an early breakfast on the twelfth day of the 15-day Ugandan birding safari, participants will grab packed lunches and meet the driver guide to transfer to the captivating Mubwindi Swamp for an extraordinary birding adventure. During this excursion, there will be opportunities to spot a variety of bird species, including the striking dusky crimson-wing, the vibrant yellow-streaked greenbul, the elusive handsome francolin, the tiny dwarf honeyguide, the magnificent African green broadbill, the charming Archer’s robin-chat, the beautiful regal sunbird, the powerful black goshawk, and the elegant African emerald cuckoo. After an exhilarating day of birding, participants will return to the lodge for an evening of relaxation, a delectable dinner, and a restful overnight stay.

Day 13: Lake Mburo National Park walking safari

Participants will enjoy a leisurely breakfast on the thirteenth day of the 15-day Ugandan birding safari, check out of the lodge, and meet the driver guide to transfer to the magnificent Lake Mburo National Park. This scenic journey takes approximately 3 to 4 hours, offering participants awe-inspiring views along the way. Upon arrival in the park, participants will check into the lodge for a delicious lunch.

Following a satisfying lunch, participants will set off on a captivating guided walking safari and birding excursion in the park, getting up close and personal with a variety of animals and spotting unique bird species, such as the striking black-bellied bustard, the curious bare-faced go-away bird, the elegant brown-chested lapwing, the vibrant red-faced barbet, and the charming blue-headed coucal. After an extraordinary guided nature walk, participants will return to the lodge for a mouthwatering dinner and a peaceful overnight stay.

Day 14: Game drives and boat cruises in Lake Mburo

Following an early breakfast on the fourteenth day of the 15-day Ugandan birding safari, participants will meet the driver guide for an exciting morning game drive in the park. During this thrilling excursion, everyone will be rewarded with magnificent views of diverse wildlife, including graceful waterbucks, majestic elands, powerful buffaloes, striking zebras, nimble impalas, elegant topi, and towering giraffes grazing in the open savannah plains adorned with glistening dew. After an extraordinary game drive, participants will return to the lodge for a delicious lunch.

Following a satisfying lunch, participants will set off on a captivating boat cruise, where there will be chances to observe hippos and Nile crocodiles basking in the water, as well as buffaloes, waterbucks, and warthogs quenching their thirst along the shores. Everyone will also spot a variety of water birds, including vibrant kingfishers, lively bee-eaters, powerful fish eagles, and graceful cormorants. After an enchanting boat cruise, participants will drive to the lodge for a mouthwatering dinner and a restful overnight stay.

Day 15: Return to Kampala and departure

Following a leisurely breakfast on the final day of the 15-day Ugandan birding safari, participants will check out of the lodge and meet the driver guide to begin the journey back to Kampala. En route, everyone will savor a delightful lunch and enjoy a stopover at the Equator, where there will be opportunities to purchase souvenirs and take photos. Upon arrival in Kampala, the driver guide will drop participants off at Entebbe International Airport for departure flights.

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